Vietnam Airlines Joins VietJet Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air & Cathay Pacific in Alerting Travellers from China, South Korea, India, US, Japan, UK, Russia & Australia as Long Thanh Airport Faces Severe Labour Shortage and Potential Delay

Image generated with Ai

The Long Thanh Airport labour shortage is threatening Vietnam’s largest-ever aviation project with potential delays to its 2026 opening. A shortfall of approximately 6,000 workers is slowing completion of essential infrastructure, including the passenger terminal, taxiways, and support facilities. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, and Cathay Pacific have warned international travellers from China, South Korea, India, the US, Japan, the UK, Russia, and Australia to anticipate potential disruptions. The airport, once operational, is expected to handle tens of millions of passengers, expand Vietnam’s global aviation capacity, and support the country’s rapidly growing tourism sector.

H2 Cause of the Issue

The delays at Long Thanh Airport are primarily due to a severe workforce shortage.

• The project currently requires tens of thousands of engineers, construction workers, and technical staff, but only around 60–65% of the workforce is currently on site.
• Rising fuel and material costs, coupled with delayed payments to contractors, have caused some workers to leave for higher-paying projects.
• Major infrastructure and interior works — including baggage handling, air traffic control systems, and passenger terminal interiors — are particularly impacted.
• The ongoing COVID-19 recovery and regional construction demand have intensified competition for skilled labour across southern Vietnam.

H2 Airlines and Countries Affected

Airlines

• Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific are the major carriers adjusting schedules.
• Planned new routes and flight expansions are temporarily slowed to avoid congestion and passenger dissatisfaction.

Countries with Potentially Impacted Passengers

• China, South Korea, India, US, Japan, UK, Russia, Australia — all key inbound markets for Vietnam.
• Increased travel demand coinciding with the labour shortage may lead to flight rescheduling, delays, or temporary route adjustments.

Airlines & Passenger Table (Illustrative Example)

H2 Impact on Passengers

• Delays in terminal construction and support systems may affect check-in, baggage handling, and boarding processes.
• Passengers could experience longer transit times, rebooking requirements, and increased waiting periods.
• Tourism operators warn that peak travel periods may see the most significant disruptions, particularly for holiday and seasonal travelers.

Key Passenger Impacts
• Potential flight reschedules and delays
• Limited ground transport or access delays
• Adjustments in airline service capacity

H2 Airline and Industry Response

• Airlines are alerting passengers in advance, offering flexible rebooking options.
• Construction authorities have mobilized additional labour and requested expedited payments to contractors to reduce delays.
• Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority is coordinating closely with airlines to ensure smooth integration of operations once partial terminal operations begin.
• Government directives prioritize phase 1 completion by Q3 2026 for partial commercial flights.

H2 What Travelers Should Do

• Check flight status regularly via airline apps or websites
• Plan for rebooking or alternate flights if delays occur
• Confirm visa and entry requirements ahead of travel
• Consider early arrivals to the airport to account for potential longer processing times
• Monitor official government or airline announcements regarding Long Thanh Airport operations

H2 FAQs

Q1: What is causing the Long Thanh Airport delay?
The airport faces a labour shortage of roughly 6,000 workers and rising material costs, impacting terminal construction and infrastructure completion.

Q2: Which airlines are affected by the delays?
Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, and Cathay Pacific have all adjusted schedules due to construction delays.

Q3: Which countries’ travellers are most impacted?
Passengers from China, South Korea, India, the US, Japan, the UK, Russia, and Australia may experience rescheduling or delays.

Q4: When is the airport expected to open?
Partial operations are planned for late 2026, with full phase 1 commercial operations targeted shortly thereafter.

Q5: How can passengers minimize disruption?
Check flight status, arrive early, consider flexible bookings, and stay updated with airline and government announcements.

The Long Thanh Airport labour shortage is threatening Vietnam’s largest aviation project, with a 6,000-worker gap putting its 2026 opening at risk. Airlines including Vietnam Airlines, VietJet, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Korean Air are alerting travellers from China, South Korea, India, the US, Japan, the UK, Russia, and Australia about potential delays.